Method for indicating the existence of a control object

Abstract

Method for indicating the existence of a control object displayed as part of a graphical user interface. The existence of a control object displayed as part of a graphical user interface may be indicated by displaying one or more images about the control object and changing the state of the images. In the preferred embodiment, the images are small, non-intrusive sparkles that contrast in color to the surrounding area of the graphical user interface. The sparkles are clustered about a control object in a pair of orbits and change state by moving among a series of concentric rings that radiate outwardly from a focal point of the control object. The preferred focal point is the center of the control object.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method for indicating the existence of a control object comprising the steps of: 
       displaying a page on a display device;  
       determining whether the page contains the control object;  
       if the page contains the control object, then determining a focal point for the control object; and  
       periodically displaying one or more images about the focal point of the control object until the page is no longer displayed or until the control object is manipulated.  
     
     
       2. The method of claim  1 , wherein the step of determining whether the page contains the control object comprises traversing a polytree associated with the page. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim  1 , wherein if the control object is regularly shaped, then the focal point is a point at the center of the control object. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim  1 , wherein if the control object is irregularly shaped, then the focal point is a random point inside the control object. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim  1 , wherein the images are small and non-obtrusive. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim  1 , wherein the images are displayed in a circular, substantially circular, or elliptical pattern around the control object. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim  1 , wherein the images move about the focal point. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim  1 , wherein manipulating the control object causes a dialog box to open.